Kissing Jessica Stein

Synopsis

A fresh spin on the "straight" girl-meets-girl comedy. A witty and sparkling comedy that appeals to both lesbians and gay men.

Review

Copy editor Jessica Stein has high expectations with every guy she attempts to date. Jaded by constant disappointment with men, she answers a singles ad under the "women seeking women" section. She meets art dealer Helen Cooper, who is equally tired of her mundane routine in which she has a different gent for various sexual needs. What happens when these two formidable women get together forms the core of a most charming romantic comedy, complete with well-rounded characters brought to life by a talented ensemble who go a long way to help identify and define the complexity all relationships have. Writer-directors Westfeldt and Juergensen's first-date comedy nicely captures the awkwardness everyone at one time or another has experienced, a clumsiness that somehow (and sadistically) continues through dating, as evidenced by Jessica and Helen’s tentative courting rituals. Romance in the new millenium isn’t made any easier for Jessica as she must contend with her overzealous Jewish mother (Feldshuh in a marvelous performance), helpful friends and coworkers all the while wanting to take her newfound relationship slowly with the patient yet horny Helen. Look beyond its feel-good sentimentality and Kissing Jessica Stein is a witty and smart confection that’s as good-humored and personable as Jessica herself.

Customer Reviews

This movie was completely awesome from beginning to end. It showed that sometimes, things just happen and when they're over, they're finished.

(*to the above review.. you realize you ruined this movie for anybody who hadn't had the opportunity to see it yet.... right?)

Ruined by the ending

English rose wrote on 01/20/2003:

This is a funny and well acted film, with a good looking cast. However it is ruined when Jessica returns to her straight life even though she has never been happy there before. Despite this its worth watching. Just do what i do and stop it 10 minutes before the end and pretend they live happily ever after.